Dallas County Parks & Open Space

Our Preserve Rewind Series is coming to an end 🍃

Today, we’re highlighting Trinity River Mountain Creek Preserve, one of the first preserves in the Dallas County system. Acquired in 1984 through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grant funding, the preserve has grown into a community destination featuring 4 miles of paved trails, cricket fields, a pavilion, picnic tables, benches, a basketball court, and a playground. The preserve also serves as an access point to the Campion Trail System, which is master-planned to expand to 22 miles of paved trail by 2028.

📍 1005 E Hunter Ferrell Rd, Irving, TX 75060
⏰ 5 AM - Dusk

Cedar Ridge Preserve (formerly known as the Escarpment Preserves) offers miles of trails across 605-acres, which take you past beautiful wildflowers, heavily wooded areas, and scenic overlooks. Check out Audubon Dallas' website to see the upcoming programs and volunteer opportunities at Cedar Ridge Preserve!

📍 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway Dallas, TX 75249
⏰ 6:30 AM to Dusk, Tuesday through Sunday

🌳 Elm Fork Preserve is a beautiful 33-acre natural area located within McInnish Sports Complex.

Originally purchased by the Bramblitt family in 1861, this special property gives visitors a glimpse of land that has never been clear-cut. Wildlife spotted at the preserve includes raccoons, fox squirrels, opossums, beavers, nine-banded armadillos, great blue herons, and great horned owls 🦉

What wildlife have you seen at Elm Fork Preserve? Let us know in the comments! 👇

📍 2430 Sandy Lake Road, Carrollton, TX
⏰ Dawn - Dusk

McCommas Bluff Preserve is a hub for trail enthusiasts exploring Dallas County. With both the Trinity Forest Trail and the AT&T Trail connecting to the preserve, it’s a great starting point for longer adventures. However, visitors can also enjoy about two miles of scenic, soft-surface trails within the preserve itself.

📍 Informal parking at the end of Riverwood Rd and Farpoint Rd
⏰ 5 AM - 11 PM

Looking for a place to unwind and reconnect with nature? Cottonwood Creek Preserve is the perfect escape. Originally acquired in 1989 with assistance from the Trust for Public Land, this special place has been preserved so everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of North Texas for years to come.

Whether you’re exploring with friends, needing some fresh air, or just taking a quiet moment for yourself, there’s something here for everyone. Come see what makes Cottonwood Creek Preserve so special 🌳

📍 1200 Cottonwood Valley Rd, Wilmer, TX
⏰ 5 AM - 10 PM